The Atlanta radio waves are a little quieter and undoubtedly sadder as the city mourns the loss of Wanda Smith, a beacon of humor and generosity who passed away recently. As a long-standing voice on V-103, Smith was best known for co-hosting the award-winning "Frank and Wanda" show, alongside Frank Ski, whose partnership and friendship spanned well over a decade, creating an irreplaceable mark on Atlanta's radio scene. "She will go down in the history of Atlanta as one of the biggest givers the city has ever seen," Ski said in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Ski revealed, with evident emotion, that news of Smith's death came as a shock to him, as he had only been informed of her worsening condition shortly before. He described their relationship as to "a husband and wife thing." Ski, along with other figures in the community such as Rickey Smiley, had intended to arrange a fundraiser to support Smith, only to be turned down by her, in her typical desire to maintain privacy – a testament to her character. As for the specifics of Smith's cause of death, Ski chose to honor her wish for privacy, declining to comment further to the media.
Smith's influence extended beyond the radio booth; she appeared in two of Tyler Perry’s “Madea” movies and was known for her volunteer work and generosity. WSB-TV shared how Smith used her platform to reach out and help children and families in need. She was known for saying, "It’s not about radio; it’s about me helping people—that’s what makes me different. I’m a woman of my word." This mantra was clearly demonstrated in the assistance she provided to individuals such as Toni Moore, a fellow radio host, who recounted how Smith offered her a place to stay upon her move to Atlanta in 2009.
Moore, currently at Kiss 104.1's Morning Show, vividly recalled her interaction with Smith, noting, "She did not know me at all, and she was willing to open up her home to me. But that’s who Wanda was." This act of kindness enabled Moore to eventually find her own success in the Atlanta radio landscape, illustrating how Smith's legacy is marked by the impact she had on the careers and lives of many.
Smith leaves behind her husband, LaMorris Sellers, sons, and grandchildren. The family has remained private during this time, and details regarding memorials or tributes have yet to be released. But the community’s response and Ski's reminiscences serve as a powerful reminder of Smith's enduring footprint on a city that clearly loved her as much as she loved it.
